Fight the Good Fight

Television (Full Length) – 1980

In the late 1970s, Tom Quayle, General Secretary of the NZ Temperance Alliance, took to the road. This documentary follows Quayle as he preaches that New Zealand's bars should close for "the dinner hour" — much to the dismay of Wellington mayor Michael Fowler and many Kiwis. At the time it was believed that alcohol resulted in at least 70% of all crimes of violence and dishonesty in Aotearoa, and 40% of divorce and separations. Aided by community leaders and referendum results showing almost 23% of Kiwi voters wanted prohibition, Quayle called for radical change. But will he get support for his plan at parliament?

Tom Quayle bought back old style temperance rallies and the symbol of the prohibition movement — the pledge — a written promise never to drink alcohol.
– Narrator John Keir